Greek-owned gaming and lottery provider Intralot has asked the country’s top administrative court to block the sale of the domestic horserace betting licence to national gambling company OPAP.
Last week, iGaming Business reported that shortly after receiving bids from both companies, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) national privatisation company awarded the licence to OPAP, which submitted a bid of around €40.5 million ($51.2 million).
The licence sale forms part of an agreed privatisation plan with Athens’ international lenders, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, under a €240 billion bailout.
Despite the awarding of the licence, the Reuters news agency reports that Intralot has filed restraining orders against the HRADF over its decision related to the sale, citing a violation of transparency rule, fair competition and equal treatment.
The court is expected to hear the case by the middle of October.
The HRADF and Intralot have yet to comment on the move.
In other news, Greece’s Council of State has ruled that the position held by OPAP in the country is legal and fully compliant with all European Union treaties.
In a ruling on Tuesday, the Council said all reforms adopted by the Greek Parliament to regulate the online gambling market are in link with European law.
Judges have ruled that OPAP can keep its monopolistic position as it operates with the aim of combating illegal betting and criminal activities within the gaming market.
The decision is in response to a formal judgment of the European Court of Justice, which in January 2013 also aired its concerns regarding OPAP’s monopoly.
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
